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Is It A Mistake For The Vita To Go After Triple-A Shooters?

There's no question that the PlayStation Vita requires fantastic software to be successful. But is it a mistake to focus heavily on creating triple-A portable shooters?

The Vita has two big things going for it, both of which support that idea: Firstly, the analog sticks, which finally make shooters like Resistance: Burning Skies feel natural. Secondly, the slick unit clearly has the power to produce something pretty special, even though modern shooters often take advantage of cutting-edge console and PC technology. So there's no doubt the Vita can do it.

The only question is, should it? Burning Skies wasn't bad but it wasn't great, either, and we've got Call of Duty Black Ops: Declassified and a Killzone entry on the way. Also, if you're willing to call the third-person Unit 13 a "shooter," you know the Vita is pushing hard to embrace the popular genre. But aren't such games better played on big screens with fantastic audio setups? Is that not a huge part of the experience? As capable as Sony's new portable is, we're still only looking at a 5" screen, yes?

Maybe it would make more sense to offer more in the way of traditional handheld experiences. The PSP, for instance, delivered a lot of the old-school-type RPGs we really haven't been getting on consoles this generation, not to mention a lot of unique adventures and puzzlers. Sure, the Vita is far more powerful and has every right to aspire to FPS greatness, but will the hardcore fans of that genre respond? Is a handheld shooter really something that appeals to those fans? I think we'll find out when Declassified hits this fall…

I'm just not sold on the theory that shooters can really thrive on the Vita, and I'm really not sold on the idea that shooters should be the best available software on the system. Maybe more stuff like Assassin's Creed: Liberation is needed..or how's about another Dissidia ? That seemed to do awfully well on the PSP. Just a few suggestions, Sony.

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FatherSun
FatherSun
11 years ago

The VITA should go for ALL games! Don't limit the device in any way Sony. Open up that FcukerMother!

Let the shooters in. If presented properly they will thrive. If not the masses will be heard but if Sony takes the VITA to PS3 level development then we will have all genres excel on the VITA.

2006: PS3 Has No Games!
2012: PS3 Has TOO Many Games! Severe backlog!!


Last edited by FatherSun on 6/19/2012 10:11:40 PM

firesoul453
firesoul453
11 years ago

I would love sooo much if it was an open device!

I'd go max out my new playstation visa and buy one immediately!

Would be well worth it if I could develop for it!

Clamedeus
Clamedeus
11 years ago

They have a development kit, and it's completely free for the Vita.


Last edited by Clamedeus on 6/19/2012 10:25:41 PM

firesoul453
firesoul453
11 years ago

Please explain!

Clamedeus
Clamedeus
11 years ago

It's in the forums, go to the Portable section and look for a post called "PlayStation Suite SDK 0.98". I don't want to go off topic. Even though I just did right now. lol

firesoul453
firesoul453
11 years ago

(This is very relevant)

And yes I know about that, but thats not what I mean. Sure I could write some code with that but I can't distribute it. I could get it on maybe a friends vita if I installed all the stuff.

What I mean is an open platform, like android, iphone, mac, xbox 360 pc, etc

If anyone can develop software and get it publish for the vita then it would boost sales and get way more developers for the platform.

Clamedeus
Clamedeus
11 years ago

Ah, my bad.

firesoul453
firesoul453
11 years ago

Its all good!

I think PlayStation Suite is a step in the right direction for sony

Clamedeus
Clamedeus
11 years ago

Agreed.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
11 years ago

You're forgetting that Sony specifically wants small/independent/new developers to put their content out via PSN or PS Suite. The SDK for the Vita means you can create Vita specific applications, rather than the more generic PS Suite ones. But one way or the other, they will still be pushed through the PSN. I'd suggest looking more at the independent publishing options through PSN than worrying about it. From what I remember, Sony really is trying to make publishing through PSN trouble free.

firesoul453
firesoul453
11 years ago

Of course is should! Those games will help it succeed and if it doesn't succeed we don't get any type of games on it.

CrusaderForever
CrusaderForever
11 years ago

No, Sony should put all types of games on the Vita. Im using my Vita more than my PS3 right now.

pillz81
pillz81
11 years ago

Ditto.


Last edited by pillz81 on 6/21/2012 11:28:36 AM

Temjin001
Temjin001
11 years ago

Well it sure as heck won't get the job done if it doesn't if you ask me. I sort of think Sony might as well throw in the towel on the Vita if they weren't planning to outstrip their competitors with higher quality, better produced products. Now whether or not that needs to be AAA, or maybe just AA can do that, remains to be seen. I want a Vita once the time is right for me.

Also, when it comes to screen size, the percentage of space a screen occupies the field of view is really what matters. 5" from 2' does appear to be something like 40" from 10'
There's a conversion chart out there somewhere. Those who've sold TV's before know what I speak of.


Last edited by Temjin001 on 6/19/2012 10:21:36 PM

Clamedeus
Clamedeus
11 years ago

They definitely should go for all kinds of games in my opinion, don't limit it to one single thing and in my opinion it will thrive.

tes37
tes37
11 years ago

I think the Vita should include FPS's in it's library of available games. I'm not a big fan of that genre, but I'm a fan of gamers getting the type of games they want.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
11 years ago

I think Vita owners will want some solid FPS shooters of course, but it's a bit risky insofar as the biggest attractor to them these days seems to be multiplayer. Yes these games will have multiplayer but I wonder if it will be as popular on a handheld as it is at home. So you need lengthy and fantastic campaigns which are hard to find this generation.

ZenChichiri
ZenChichiri
11 years ago

I don't mind them releasing shooters for the Vita, but I hope this shooter craze doesn't destroy the Vita in that every developer and their mothers try to make shooters for it.

Totally off topic but Okami HD was announced today for the PS3 in 1080p and with Move support! Yesterday I was thinking about how stupid it would be if they didn't do it, and voila! Today it was announced. This bit of news made me so happy. Okami is one of my favourite games of all time. It's only going to be $19.99 too! Damn, what a deal!

ZenChichiri
ZenChichiri
11 years ago

There is an HD trailer for it on youtube and it looks absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait!

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
11 years ago

Clairvoyance is underappreciated.

ZenChichiri
ZenChichiri
11 years ago

I didn't realize I had this ability until now…time to focus my mind tonight and see if all these gaming rumors are in fact true…I'll let you all know tomorrow!

bebestorm
bebestorm
11 years ago

Nothing wrong with fps games as long as vita has variety. Im hoping japan developers have some good games to show at tgs.

DazeOfWar
DazeOfWar
11 years ago

Bring it. More people may buy it. I bet a lot of people will buy it for some COD on the go. If the FPS game is made well it'll sell. I love the Resistance series but I think Nihilistic was a bad choice for developer. They haven't ever really made a great game. They either suck or are mediocre.

The Vita is an awesome gaming machine and shouldn't be limited to any genre. Bring them all on.

Jawknee
Jawknee
11 years ago

Bioshock and Killzone at least.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
11 years ago

Bioshock… *Drools*

Beamboom
Beamboom
11 years ago

Bioshock is welcome on *any* platform. 🙂

But speaking of Bioshock: In my head I don't even think of Bioshock as a FPS, or even a shooter at all. I know it is, but still, Bioshock is just so in a league of their own. Bioshock is just… Bioshock. 🙂

(omg I'm pumped for Infinite)

BikerSaint
BikerSaint
11 years ago

All genres

Beamboom
Beamboom
11 years ago

Yes! I completely, 100% agree with this article here. I've said the same, the Vita must not pretend to be a full sized console, that is a major *fail*.

There has been many in the past who has said, "just get COD on the Vita and the Vita will FLY off the shelves". I think not. Why on earth would you want to *downgrade* your gaming experience to a portable when you got all your friends playing online on a full size platform (PC/console)? And why would you want to buy a NEW machine for that? Where's the logic in that?

Look at the iOs/Android world. It started out as mostly cheap copies of games from other platforms, or variations of traditional classics (Tetris, breakout, etc). But now that the different developers begin to figure out how to best create games for this particular platform things have started to happen. And, like they say, "the rest is history". The smartphone top sellers are dominated by titles completely unique for this platform, as it should be since the platform itself is so different from other gaming platforms on so many levels.

Do we need a *few* shooters for the Vita? Yes of course. It needs a little bit of everything. But their focus should be to create something so unique that it makes people want to go out and buy a new machine for it. Portable versions of console games they already own are per definition *not* unique, and tagging some touch screen functionality onto that doesn't change anything.


Last edited by Beamboom on 6/20/2012 1:07:17 AM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
11 years ago

On the flip side, teenagers who can't control themselves may get a Vita and CoD to play at school.

Beamboom
Beamboom
11 years ago

… Alone? I don't think so!

Keep in mind that for all practical purposes COD is an *online* game.
Heck, kids are even trading one console for another based on what their friends play on (a son of a friend of mine went from PS3 to x360 because of that).
Add to that the price of the Vita compared to a kids monthly income, and I'd say it's a dead end.

Axe99
Axe99
11 years ago

I don't think Sony or anyone are saying it's all about shooters though – hell, if anything the launch line-up was pro racers, and while we've had Unit 13 (I think we can call that a shooter :P) and Resistance, and there's CoD on the way, the line-up is hardly overly weighted with shooters, given what's big on the PS3 or 360 at the moment.

And in terms of my use of portables, I don't mind shooters at all – played MOH:Heroes, and Resistance Retribution on PSP and they both went nicely.

Dancemachine55
Dancemachine55
11 years ago

The Vita needs a nice balanced mixture of popular franchises and new exclusive IP's that take advantage of the platform and its capabilities.

Gravity Rush is one example of a new IP that takes advantage of the Vita. But Gravity Rush, Unit 13, Soundshapes and Escape Plan are not enough to balance franchises like Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty, Resistence, Killzone, Uncharted and many others.

For every established franchise entry or multiplat game on the Vita, there should be a brand new exclusive IP that caters to the Vita.

With Uncharted, there was Escape Plan.

With Resistence, there is Gravity Rush.

With Call of Duty, there's Unit 13.

There's still Assassin's Creed, Killzone, All Stars Battle Royale, Sly Cooper 4, MGS Collection, FIFA, Madden, FF X and many others that are either multiplat or have a main entry already on PS3.

The Vita needs more exclusives, AAA exclusives, that can't be found or played anywhere else!!

Nearly all the big releases on Vita are coming to PS3 as well, so anyone with a PS3 won't bother with getting a Vita!! Exclusives help drive the platform!!

I want to see more titles like Gravity Rush, Escape Plan or Unit 13. MORE EXCLUSIVES!!

Once we get more of them, THEN I will definitely invest in a Vita. I will buy the Assassin's Creeds, the Uncharteds, the CoDs and the Final Fantasy's on Vita once I have one, but the exclusives are what compells me to buy a Vita in the first place!!!

Sony, make as many Vita exclusives with an 85+ metacritic rating as you can and you will see millions of core gamers flock to the Vita, I promise you!!

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
11 years ago

I don't think there is much to be gained looking at the iOS or Android market where Vita is concerned. I also think it's quite funny how many people are taking what is essentially a contrarian view of shooters and other conventional game genre on the Vita when prior to the Vita that was one of the biggest complaints about the PSP – it didn't support existing genre/franchises. especially shooters.

Beamboom
Beamboom
11 years ago

Regarding the ios/android comparison all I meant was that the games are designed specifically for that platform. I do not mean the same games should be released for the Vita. Quite the contrary, actually.

Your view on shooters for the Vita is a legit argument, Highlander. But I have to say that I were really happy with the games for the PSP. Lots of great stuff, and the few shooters I tried all sucked (Syphon Filter is the only one I can think of now). Two analogue sticks would not make that much of a difference, I think.

No, it was the weird little games that weren't available for the PS3/PCs, like the utterly wonderful "Crush!" that defined handheld gaming for me.


Last edited by Beamboom on 6/20/2012 1:55:26 PM

Gamer46
Gamer46
11 years ago

The more games a system can offer the better. As a fan of shooters I can't wait for Killzone, am interested to see how Black Ops Declassified turns out and I'd love to see more. I'd also like more puzzle games, and certainly action games like AC 3: Liberation, GTA, inFamous, another Gravity Rush, etc would be welcome. Like mentioned in the article, PSP did have a lot of great JRPGs and I hope that continues on Vita. Bottomline, any games Sony can get on the system, I want them to go after, even if it's a game in a genre or series I don't particularly care for.


Last edited by Gamer46 on 6/20/2012 3:26:35 AM

Lawless SXE
Lawless SXE
11 years ago

Well… why not? As long as it doesn't mean that a developer that could create a better project in a different genre is forced to work on an FPS, then I see no problem. Black Ops Declassified could be being handled by Neversoft, or the Tony Hawk guys, whoever it was that was recently reported to have moved onto it, but their titles have been flagging in quality anyway.

We're bound to see a proliferation of genres hit the portable sooner or later. Handheld gaming seems the best way for RPGs to be distributed nowadays and the Vita certainly has the grunt to emulate the bigger experiences more capably than the PSP and, I believe, the Wii ever could.

They can "go after" anything they want, as long as it isn't such titles that make up the majority of what is available for the system at the end of its cycle.

Beamboom
Beamboom
11 years ago

I think the question here is what they should *focus* on. I don't think anyone disagree that all genres are welcome on the device. But with just around two mill units sold they first and foremost need titles that sell the system.

Just imagine, if a realistic sales of any title is maybe a mill copies sold tops (is it realistic to estimate more than 50% of the owners buying any given title?) how attractive is it to develop for it *at all*?
It really limits the attraction for most 3rd party, non-sponsored developers, and without their support this will be one sad story.

And to focus on games for the Vita that are better played on a big gaming machine… Well, I don't think that is smart at all.


Last edited by Beamboom on 6/20/2012 4:08:31 AM

Lawless SXE
Lawless SXE
11 years ago

For once, I fail to grasp your logic. I mean, I know the sales of the Vita have been poor and that means that developers are unlikely to swarm to it, but they are businesspeople nonetheless and know that it will take time and effort to get the sales up. Right now, any developmental efforts on the Vita are an investment for the future. Not only in increasing the install base by offering lucrative titles, but also by gaining all-important experience to better games that are yet to come. The sales will come alongside, I hope, a slew of quality exclusive titles and a price cut.

Right now, there is little attraction in developing exclusively for the system if you're looking at it purely from a sales perspective. However, when you factor in the lower development costs, the potential return immediately increases, a fact that will make the system more appealing as the user base expands, powered by, you guessed it, worthwhile games.

Basically, it's a cycle that will see sales grow over time, sometimes in fits and sometimes in spurts, but eventually and inevitably.

As for games that may seem to be better suited to the consoles, I'm willing to concede that point. It was a major flaw of the PSP's software, but you can't deny that a different gameplay experience coupled with a unique narrative thread can easily make a portable game worth getting alongside its console counterparts. The GTA Stories games were fantastic, as were the God of War Origins games, Daxter, Resistance: Retribution, Burnout Dominator and Valkyria Chronicles II.

As good as the likes of LocoRoco, Patapon and Pursuit Force were, it was the more high profile games that attracted consumers and the Vita will not, CAN NOT, live without them.

Beamboom
Beamboom
11 years ago

I agree that it's wise to obtain development experience now to be better prepared for the future. Ideally developers should gain expertise in *every* new technology, "just in case". But in the real world no-one can do that. No matter how one look at it, from a business perspective you must always consider risk versus potential. Everything has a cost, and development costs a *lot*.

And remember that there is a huge amount of new or emerging platforms right now: There is the new generation consoles just around the corner, and *noone* want to come too late for that party.
There is also the smartphone and tablets market, who, like it or not, has an *exploding* growth right now. Some probably want to invest some time on the Win8 mobile platform too.

And in this picture a handheld from Sony that hardly anyone own and few outside the Sony world truly believe in (sorry to say so), well, it's hard to explain to the board why you would want to dedicate too much of your resources to research and development for that platform… *Yet*.

It's a potential deadlock, really.


Last edited by Beamboom on 6/20/2012 5:59:57 AM

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
11 years ago

If the logic discussed here was applied and taken to the logical end, no new platform of any kind would ever receive attention from any game developer/publisher. As for the comment about no one buying one, they've sold something like 2 million of the things since launch, probably more. As games feed through, and sales pick up, especially with holiday bundles and an eventual price cut, the picture will change considerably. However if developers and publishers continue to take the pessimistic point of view that you both discuss, we might as well hang on to our PS3s and 360s since no one will risk developing for a new platform.

___________
___________
11 years ago

so what your looking at a 5" screen, wheres the problem?
hell iphone has a smaller screen and look how popular gangstar, N.O.V.A, and modern combat are!
just because shooters are all about big epic set pieces does not mean they cannot be enjoyed on a smaller, simpler device!
uncharted is exactly that, its all about big epic set pieces and golden abyss is by far the best game we have seen this year!

vita should have a bit of everything, but since it is a portable device and is cheaper to develop for it should have more new IPs and unique experiences developers are too scared to do for consoles.
survival horror games for instance would suit a portable really well!
except the screaming on the trail of course…….

pillz81
pillz81
11 years ago

I share many of your points, especially on the screen size of the Vita. It irks me when there are people who seem to dismiss, question or DECRY the thought of having a game on the Vita based on the screen size. You crybabies. Thought should be given to the fact that there are popular gamer-type games on the itsy bitsy Ipod touch/iphone. Dead Space iOS/Android comes to mind.

Dancemachine55
Dancemachine55
11 years ago

Once I've sorted out full time employment, a new car and possibly a down payment with mortgage on a small place to live, THEN I might think of getting me a Vita!

As much as I love the Vita and really REALLY want one, bigger things in life must come first.

Mogreen
Mogreen
11 years ago

Well i'm not an "old school rpg-fan" I like more action rpgish type games(X-Men Legends, Dragon Age 2, Dragon's Dogma) I play fps but I like tps better. So basically like alot of the others are saying we need Vita to open up to all genre's not super cater to one area. We also need more new Ip's rather it's shooters, platformers, or rpgs, we need them to sell Vita to the Mass Market better.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
11 years ago

The problem there is that when Sony did that with the PSP, and stopped focusing so much on PSP entries in established franchises, people complained that there was not enough support for established franchises. So now they are trying to strike a balance between giving attention to established franchises that are clear system sellers, and new IPs that take advantage of the Vita in new ways. Yet you would have them shift away from proven sellers to new ventures. I don't think that's really going to work so well.

DjEezzy
DjEezzy
11 years ago

In my opinion… I think shooters are great and all but handheld gaming is kind of not the right place to do it. Thing is, portable games should be set up like MGS: Peacwalker in that missions are set up in bite size pieces. I love the vita but i don't play it all that much. Uncharted is super awesome but you have to sink time into it to really enjoy it. I just don't have that time when i'm out and about. It sucks to be playing something so awesome and then having to quit 5 minutes later because something comes up or i get busy. MGS:Peacewalker was a perfect example of a AAA title on a handheld in that you could play a mission and then be done with it for a while. The missions were small enough to where you could get what was going on but not get interrupted and totally have the experience killed. I think this is the direction sony should take with the vita. Yes FPS are a big part of gaming but with such a unique piece of hardware, why not come out with unique software. Just sayin…

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
11 years ago

Ben, some on dude, really? I mean, really? What was the #1 complaint about the PSP throughout it's life? Only one stick, right? Vita has 2 real analog sticks, not just sort of analog, truly analog. The #2 complaint about the PSP? FPS games could not be done right because of the single stick. Seems that is taken care of now too. If I remember correctly there was a massive chorus singing the same song about the PSP lacking in that department and so no true shooter would ever be on it and this was just the most terrible error on Sony's part. So, now they produce the Vita with the computing power, GPU, screen and analog sticks…and what happens? People ask whether they should even put triple-A shooters on the thing? Really? You've got to be kidding.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
11 years ago

That's true, but analogs are basically an essential part of the gaming experience now, even if we're not talking about FPSs.

Just about genre that requires real-time movement benefits from analog sticks, so just about anything would get a boost on the Vita. As for shooters, I just don't think you can reach the same level of necessary immersion on a very small presentation scale.

anjpikapp3
anjpikapp3
11 years ago

So this is what has me confused…yes, you can play FPS on the vita and yes they are very entertaining. However, you cannot play on the 3G network…why is this? If I have to be near a wifi connection to play then I might as well play at home on my HDTV. Until you can REALLY play on the go, I really see this being a huge flop.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
11 years ago

You can play in ad-hoc mode, or via wifi in locations with a wi-fi hotspot – which is a rapidly increasing facet of online life. I think the problem with 3G is that the speed is not guaranteed and the quality of service is similarly problematic, so you can't guarantee the bandwidth needed for an online game over a 3G network on the move.

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